Principal Hardware System Test Engineer

Principal Hardware System Test Engineer Overview

In this role, you will shape the testing processes for advanced AI hardware before it reaches customers. As a Principal Hardware System Test Engineer, you will lead the technical direction for manufacturing test solutions for Host Processor Modules, Server Blades, and multi-node rack systems, ensuring that every system meets the highest quality standards prior to deployment.

Your responsibilities will include owning the architecture of the test executive software and developing manufacturing test content that validates complex hardware at scale. You will work closely with hardware, firmware, and software teams to enable reliable and efficient testing throughout the production process. This position offers a significant opportunity for technical influence, allowing you to tackle complex engineering challenges and enhance manufacturing quality through data-driven insights.

You will join the Product Test and Diagnosis team within Manufacturing Operations, which is responsible for defining and delivering test strategies across silicon, boards, server systems, and rack-scale platforms. Collaboration is key, as you will work with engineers from various disciplines, and decisions will be based on technical evidence and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to lead technically, mentor fellow engineers, and influence the evolution of manufacturing testing across globally distributed teams.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in developing and deploying manufacturing test solutions for high-performance servers or comparable large-scale compute hardware.
• Proven technical leadership as an individual contributor, with the ability to drive alignment across multiple teams without direct management authority.
• Deep technical understanding of silicon, board, and system design to define effective manufacturing test coverage and lead complex debugging and root-cause analysis.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with experience in driving requirements and delivery with internal software, firmware, and platform teams to enhance testability and diagnosability.
• Hands-on experience with Linux, OpenBMC, and vendor-specific test tools and diagnostics for hardware testing in lab and manufacturing environments.
• Strong software engineering skills with scripting and automation (e.g., Python, Bash), including building reliable test infrastructure and integrating diverse test content.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with rack-scale/multi-node systems, high-speed interconnects, and production qualification of complex assemblies.
• Experience in improving manufacturing KPIs (yield, test time, false fail reduction) through data-driven test optimization and robust statistical/diagnostic approaches.
• Knowledge of open-source tools commonly used for manufacturing testing, system bring-up, and hardware diagnostics.
• Experience in designing testability and diagnosability features into products in collaboration with design teams.

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave.
• Up to 5% matched pension contributions.
• Phantom equity options to share in the company’s success.
• True flexibility in how and where you work.
• Office spaces designed for collaboration, including free food and an on-site barista.
• Health cash plan, income protection, and life assurance.
• Additional benefits such as private medical insurance and dental plans.

Graphcore is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and are an equal opportunity employer. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please inform us, and we will be happy to accommodate you.

If you are ready to lead the engineering behind manufacturing testing for advanced AI hardware and contribute to delivering quality at scale, we encourage you to apply now to join Graphcore.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

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